Hybrid Density Functional Theory Calculations for the Crystal Structure and Electronic Properties of Al<sup>3+</sup> Doped KDP Crystals

oleh: Yang Li, Zhenshi Li, Baoan Liu, Xun Sun, Mingxia Xu, Lisong Zhang, Xian Zhao, Guodong Lei

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-04-01

Deskripsi

Intentionally adding select ions such as Al<sup>3+</sup> could be helpful in controlling the crystal habit of KDP crystal for high yield of optics. The study of how Al<sup>3+</sup> ions affect crystal quality can provide a basis for selecting an appropriate doping level without negatively affecting the optical properties of crystals. Here, the influence of Al<sup>3+</sup> ions on the crystal structure and properties of KDP crystals have been investigated by using first-principles calculations. Theoretical calculations show that Al<sup>3+</sup> ions mainly replace K sites in KDP crystals and could complex with intrinsic V<sub>H</sub><sup>−</sup> point defects to form Al<sub>K</sub><sup>2+</sup> + 2V<sub>H</sub><sup>−</sup> cluster defects. The linear absorption spectra indicate that the presence of Al<sup>3+</sup> ions has minimal impact on the linear absorption of KDP crystals, aligning well with the experimental findings. And Al<sup>3+</sup> ions could cause a slight shortening of the band gap of KDP crystals. However, these ions could bring significant deformations of O-H bonds. As the concentration of Al<sup>3+</sup> ions increase, more O-H bonds linking to PO<sub>4</sub> groups are distorted in KDP crystals. As a result, the structural instability could be fast enhanced with increasing the defect concentration. Therefore, high concentrations of Al<sup>3+</sup> ions could cause the instability of the crystal structure, which finally affects the laser-induced damage resistance of the KDP crystals. This manuscript contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms by which different impurity ions affect the optical properties of KDP crystals.